‘LIVE’ coverage of Hougang by-election

Hougang residents go to the poll today in a by-election to elect their next Member of Parliament. The two candidates are Mr Desmond Choo Pey Ching from the People’s Action Party and Mr Png Eng Huat from the Workers Party. 23,368 voters are eligible to cast their votes. Polling closes at 8pm and the result is expected to be announced after 10pm.

4.00pm:

Overcast sky in Hougang. Lightning heard in the background, but there is no rain. Residents still queuing up to cast their votes.

6.00pm: 

Few residents are seen at the poll stations at Hougang Avenue 5. Many residents have cast their votes early in the morning and more than half have voted in the afternoon.

7.00pm:

Election Department: 83 percent of Hougang voters have cast their votes by 5.00pm. Polling closes at 8.00pm

7.30pm:

Workers’ Party counting agents, including Lee Lilian and Freida Chan, have arrived at Serangoon Secondary School – #CNA

7.40pm:

Png Eng Huat arrived at Serangoon Secondary School to shouts of ‘Huat ah!’ from onlookers

7.50pm:

PAP supporters gathering at PAP Hougang branch before the arrival of the candidate Desmond Choo.

8.00pm:

Returning Officer Yam Ah Mee has arrived at Holy Innocents’ Primary counting centre  – #CNA

8.05pm:

DPM Tharman Shanmugaratnam has arrived at the #PAP Hougang Branch – #CNA

8.10pm:

PAP counting agents arrived at Holy Innocent’s Primary School.

8.20pm:

PAP supporters remain calm in PAP Hougang branch. There is a palpable tension in the air.

8.25pm:

WP supporters gathered at a coffee-shop near Hougang Avenue 5:

8.30pm:

PAP candidate Desmond Choo leaving the party Hougang branch office for Serangoon Sec counting centre – #TODAY

9.00pm:

Unofficial: Png Eng Huat leading Desmond Choo by some 5,000 votes – #YahooSG

9.10pm:

Desmond Choo has arrived at Holy Innocents’ Primary School – #CNA

10.00pm:

Election result to be announced in 15 – 3o minutes time.

10.25pm:

Unverified reports: PAP is doing better @ 44-46%. A PAP source says vote counting still underway. – YahooSG

For ‘LIVE’ updates on the Hougang by-election, please visit our official Facebook page here.

Png Eng Huat closed down 8 companies in 12 years and only runs a flower shop now

The Workers Party candidate for Hougang Png Eng Huat described himself as a ‘semi-retired’ businessman when introduced as a candidate during a press conference.

Very little is known about Mr Png’s background except that he has been a businessman for the last twenty years. According to an email from an anonymous individual who claims to be a ‘business associate’ of Mr Png, he set up many companies like Yaw Shin Leong, most of which have since wounded up.

According to information from the Accounting and Corporate Regulatory Authority (ACRA), from 1990 to 2002, Png Eng Huat was involved in 11 companies, holding the title of Director, Executive Director and shareholder.

But in the last 12 years, 8 have been closed and only 3 are still in operation.

Speaking to queries from the media, Mr Png said he will ‘just do it’ when the opportunity presents itself:

“When I feel that I have done enough, I start to slow down. A business cannot be closed down so easily, it is impossible to simply say ‘bye’ to the customers and walk away, I have to ensure it goes through different stages, before winding up a business.”

Png Eng Huat said that he started his semi-retirement state at the age of 40. The companies which are still in operation, he has also been gradually handing over to his subordinates to.”I spend a lot of time to get involved in politics, and I am beocming increasingly active.”

According to ACRA’s information, Png Eng Huat is currently director and shareholder of, Flori-Art, Globalised Market Traders and Madcow International.

Flori-Art is a florist located in the Chinatown vicinity, but one SPH reporter visited several times and found out that it is not doing a florist store business and the office is often empty.

The staff said that their company has a 20-year history, the main business is “supplier of flowers”.

Mr Png said he is not very ‘active’ in running his business now as he is becoming more ‘involved’ in politics. WP has offered him the position of Deputy Chairman of Aljunied-Hougang Town Council if he is elected on Saturday.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

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Angry Hougang resident slams door on Low Thia Kiang during his house-to-house visit

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Low Thia Kiang: Recent events were made to sabotage Png Eng Huat

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DPM Teo Chee Hean: I am disappointed with WP supporters

Png Eng Huat: NCMP ballot flip-flop will not affect my chances in the by-election

Png Eng Huat clarifies: Part of procedure for every candidate in the team to be included in ballot for NCMP post

Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received one vote for NCMP position

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

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Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

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Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

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PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

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Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

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WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

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Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

Political observers predict easy victory for Workers Party in Hougang

Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

Low Thia Kiang: Recent ‘events’ were made to ‘sabotage’ Png Eng Huat

Recent ‘events’ were manufactured intentionally to damage the party and ‘sabotage’ its candidate for the Hougang by-election Png Eng Huat, said WP Chief Low Thia Kiang.

Speaking during an election rally last night, Mr Low urged voters not to be ‘distracted’ by the NCMP ballot saga which started when Mr Png told the media that he did not consider himself for the NCMP post as he was ‘against’ it.

“I actually took my name out of the ballot for the NCMP post. Because I have a personal stand against the NCMP scheme, so that’s why my name wasn’t in the ballot.”

However, after a WP insider sent the minutes of a WP CEC meeting to the press which revealed that Mr Png’s name was on the ballot, he changed his story and said it was ‘part of the procedure’ for every candidate in the team to be included for consideration in the ‘secret ballot’ by the CEC.

Mr Low admitted that the leaked minutes of the meeting is genuine and produced the NCMP ballot paper to the crowd last night, proclaiming that ALL the names of the East Coast GRC team members were considered for the post.

“This is the ballot which I prepared, with all the names of the team on the ballot paper. Png Eng Huat had told me before and after the General Election that he was strongly against the NCMP scheme and had not wanted to be considered for the NCMP position, just as Eric Tan had told me of his desire to be NCMP. However I still listed the names of the whole East Coast GRC team, because they were all part of the team.”

In the minutes of the WP CEC meeting obtained by the media, the names of Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli, two members of the WP East Coast GRC team were LEFT OUT of the ballot:

 

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Related articles:

DPM Teo Chee Hean: I am disappointed with WP supporters

Png Eng Huat: NCMP ballot flip-flop will not affect my chances in the by-election

Png Eng Huat clarifies: Part of procedure for every candidate in the team to be included in ballot for NCMP post/a>

Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received one vote for NCMP position

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

Political analysts: Yaw Shin Leong’s apology has made things worse for WP

PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

Yaw Shin Leong ‘apologizes’ to Hougang residents after three months

Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

Straight fight between PAP and WP in Hougang by-election

WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

Desmond Choo: I will be an independent voice as an MP

Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

Political observers predict easy victory for Workers Party in Hougang

Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

PAP unveils Desmond Choo as candidate for Hougang by-election/

Low Thia Kiang satisfied other parties are not contesting in Hougang

Tan Jee Say calls for opposition unity in Hougang by-election

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PM Lee: WP still has not given Singaporeans a proper account of what happened

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Desmond Choo visiting temples in Hougang

Hougang residents warming up to Mr Desmond Choo

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PHOTOS: Desmond Choo helping Hougang residents

AGC: Application for Hougang by-election ‘totally misconceived’

Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

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Desmond Choo: I am ready to serve Hougang residents

Png Eng Huat: NCMP ballot ‘flip-flop’ will not affect my chances in the by-election

Despite his numerous flip-flops in less than a day on the NCMP ballot issue, WP candidate for Hougang Png Eng Huat remains confident that the episode will not affect his chances in the by-election.

Mr Png had earlier claimed that he took his name out of the ballot for the NCMP scheme, but after it was revealed that his name was in the ballot, he changed his story and said it is ‘part of the procedure’ for EVERY candidate in the team to be considered in the ballot.

According to the WP CEC minutes sent to the press – only three names were on the ballot: Eric Tan, Gerald Giam and Png Eng Huat. Two other members of the team Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli were not considered for the position.

The episode not only caused some confusion among Singaporeans, but dented public confidence in the Workers Party and its choice of candidate as well after the Yaw Shin Leong sex scandal which led to the need to call for a by-election on 26 May.

However, Mr Png does not think too much of the episode. Speaking to queries from the media, he declared:

“This episode would not have an impact on voters’ confidence in the party or affect my chances in the by-election.”

When asked to comment further on the issue, he told the press that WP Chief Low Thia Kiang will be addressing it in tonight’s rally.

Meanwhile, WP supporters  have rallied behind Mr Png in cyberspace by attacking those who dare to criticize him even as they continue their vicious smear campaign against his PAP opponent Desmond Choo.

Many political pundits such as Derek Da Cunha and Eugene Tan have dismissed the chances of Mr Choo with the pro-WP Yahoo News predicting an ‘easy victory’ for WP even before a single vote is cast as if Hougang is its ‘property’.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Related articles:

Png Eng Huat clarifies: Part of procedure for every candidate in the team to be included in ballot for NCMP post/a>

Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received one vote for NCMP position

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

Political analysts: Yaw Shin Leong’s apology has made things worse for WP

PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

Yaw Shin Leong ‘apologizes’ to Hougang residents after three months

Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

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WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

Desmond Choo: I will be an independent voice as an MP

Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

Political observers predict easy victory for Workers Party in Hougang

Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

PAP unveils Desmond Choo as candidate for Hougang by-election/

Low Thia Kiang satisfied other parties are not contesting in Hougang

Tan Jee Say calls for opposition unity in Hougang by-election

Sylvia Lim: WP will contest in Tampines GRC in the next General Election

PM Lee: WP still has not given Singaporeans a proper account of what happened

By-election for Hougang to be called on 26 May

Desmond Choo to be replaced at PAP candidate for Hougang?

Desmond Choo launches project to provide free hearing aids to Hougang elderly residents

Desmond Choo visiting temples in Hougang

Hougang residents warming up to Mr Desmond Choo

DPM Teo: Desmond Choo is a very good man

PHOTOS: Desmond Choo helping Hougang residents

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Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

Rumor: Ang Mo Kio GRC and Hougang SMC to hold by-elections together?

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Dilemma faced by PM Lee in calling for a by-election in Hougang

Desmond Choo to set up unemployment center in Hougang

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Hougang by-election application to be reviewed by supreme court

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Png Eng Huat clarifies: Part of ‘procedure’ for EVERY candidate in the team to be included in ballot for NCMP post

WP candidate for Hougang Mr Png Eng Huat has apologized for causing ‘confusion’ to those who thought he had ‘literally’ omitted his name from the ballot papers.

Mr Png had earlier claimed he did not consider himself for the NCMP post as he was ‘against’ it.

“I actually took my name out of the ballot for the NCMP post. Because I have a personal stand against the NCMP scheme, so that’s why my name wasn’t in the ballot. So I don’t think DPM knows all of these.“

However, in an email sent to Lianhe Zaobao, one WP insider revealed that contrary to what Mr Png had said, his name was on the ballot and he received only one vote for the position.

The anonymous source go on to say that Mr Png had never stated he was against the NCMP scheme:

“Nowhere in this meeting did Png Eng Huat indicate to the CEC to remove his name from the ballot. In fact there was one CEC vote for him.”

Speaking to queries from the media during a walkabout this morning, Mr Png reiterated that he had told WP Chief Low Thia Kiang that he did not want to be considered for the NCMP seat, but it was ‘part of the procedure’ for every candidate in the team to be included for consideration in the ‘secret ballot’ by the CEC.

However, in the CEC minutes provided by the informant, the names of other two East Coast candidate Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli were NOT in the ballot:

[Source: Lianhe Zaobao]

The WP East Coast GRC team comprised of Eric Tan, Gerald Giam, Png Eng Huat, Glenda Han and Mohd Fazli. Eric Tan resigned from WP after he was sidelined by Gerald Giam for the NCMP position while Mohd Fazli left a few days after Yaw Shin Leong was expelled from the party.

Mr Png declined to comment further and said Mr Low will be addressing the issue during a WP rally in Hougang tonight.

Though Mr Png is the candidate for Hougang, he appeared to be overshadowed by Mr Low who has been doing most of the walking and talking for him.

The seat of Hougang was left vacant after its ex-WP MP Yaw Shin Leong was sacked from the party for his failure to address swirling rumors around his alleged extramarital affairs with multiple married women, including two key WP female leaders.

Regardless of the truth, the result of the vote does reveal that Mr Png wasn’t that highly regarded within WP after all.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Related articles:

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Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

Hougang residents plead: Do not link national issues to this ward

Political analysts: Yaw Shin Leong’s apology has made things worse for WP

PM Lee: Hougang by-election an uphill fight for the PAP

Hougang residents yearn for change after 20 years under WP

Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

Yaw Shin Leong ‘apologizes’ to Hougang residents after three months

Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

Straight fight between PAP and WP in Hougang by-election

WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

Desmond Choo: I will be an independent voice as an MP

Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

Hougang by-election is about Hougang residents and not national politics

Subhas Anandan to offer free legal aid to Hougang residents

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Angry WP supporter asks PM Lee why his father is still a MP

Low Thia Kiang praised WP’s performance so far

PAP unveils Desmond Choo as candidate for Hougang by-election/

Low Thia Kiang satisfied other parties are not contesting in Hougang

Tan Jee Say calls for opposition unity in Hougang by-election

Sylvia Lim: WP will contest in Tampines GRC in the next General Election

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PHOTOS: Desmond Choo helping Hougang residents

AGC: Application for Hougang by-election ‘totally misconceived’

Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

Rumor: Ang Mo Kio GRC and Hougang SMC to hold by-elections together?

Low Thia Kiang introduced Png Eng Huat to Hougang residents

Dilemma faced by PM Lee in calling for a by-election in Hougang

Desmond Choo to set up unemployment center in Hougang

Hougang residents: We won’t trust WP easily anymore

Hougang by-election application to be reviewed by supreme court

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Lianhe Zaobao: Png Eng Huat received only one vote for NCMP position during WP CEC meeting

Workers Party candidate for Hougang Png Eng Huat appeared to be caught with his pants down after it was revealed that his name was indeed in the ballot to select the best losing candidate in East Coast GRC to fill the position of NCMP in parliament.

During an election speech last Sunday, Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean asked if Hougang voters have been taken granted by WP by fielding Png Eng Huat, a candidate who was not even considered for the NCMP position.

This prompted a response by Mr Png who claimed he did not consider himself for the NCMP post as he was ‘against’ it.

“I actually took my name out of the ballot for the NCMP post. Because I have a personal stand against the NCMP scheme, so that’s why my name wasn’t in the ballot. So I don’t think DPM knows all of these.“

However, in an email sent to Lianhe Zaobao, one WP insider revealed that contrary to what Mr Png had said, his name was on the ballot and he received only one vote for the position.

Attached below are minutes of the WP CEC meeting obtained from Lianhe Zaobao:

[Source: Lianhe Zaobao]

The minutes showed clearly that Gerald Giam obtained 7 votes, two ahead of Eric Tan and Png received only ONE pathetic vote.

The informant wrote in Chinese that he made the difficult choice to expose the Workers Party because he chose loyalty to Singapore over party allegiance:

“我以一颗下沉的心给你写这信。在我的党和新加坡之间，我必须做非常艰难的选择，但是我选择忠于我的国家，而不是已经变得刚愎自用的党。在过去的一年里，我的良心不安，看着党这些月以来所经历的，我不能选择再保持沉默。”

When contacted by the Zaobao, the Workers Party declined to comment on the issue though party Chairman Sylvia Lim said she will address it at the WP rally tonight.

In the General Election last year, WP sent Low Thia Kiang’s protege Yaw Shin Leong to contest in the ward. Yaw was the treasurer and ‘number three’ man in WP while Png only joined WP in 2008 and hold no key position in the party. In fact, Png was serving in Aljunied GRC before being ‘parachuted’ suddenly into Hougang Constituency Committee in the aftermath of Yaw’s sacking this year.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________

Related articles:

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

Desmond Choo debunked accusation by WP supporter Seah Ee Onn

Young Hougang voters growing disillusioned with Workers Party?

Desmond Choo: I did not use taxpayers’ monies to fund any social welfare projects

DPM Teo asked Hougang voters if WP is taking them for granted

Low Thia Kiang launched blistering attack on Desmond Choo

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Desmond Choo: Yaw saga has ended and I wish Shin Leong all the best

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Desmond Choo: Don’t mix up providing alternative voices to the real purpose of the Hougang by-election

Desmond Choo: I share a kiss with my wife every morning

Straight fight between PAP and WP in Hougang by-election

WP confused over who to field in Hougang by-election?

Png Eng Huat: Hougang residents are very warm and friendly to me

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Png Eng Huat: I will not use my Facebook page till the by-election is over

Desmond Choo: I will serve Hougang residents for as long as it takes

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AGC: Application for Hougang by-election ‘totally misconceived’

Desmond Choo: More Hougang residents are seeking my assistance

NMP: Hougang by-election likely to be held in last quarter of 2012

Rumor: Ang Mo Kio GRC and Hougang SMC to hold by-elections together?

Low Thia Kiang introduced Png Eng Huat to Hougang residents

Dilemma faced by PM Lee in calling for a by-election in Hougang

Desmond Choo to set up unemployment center in Hougang

Hougang residents: We won’t trust WP easily anymore

Hougang by-election application to be reviewed by supreme court

The right time to call for by-election in Hougang

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PAP may send signal that it does not respect right of voters

Hougang resident files affidavit in High Court

PAP woos Hougang residents with free nursing services

Desmond Choo: I am ready to serve Hougang residents

Png Eng Huat: I made a choice not to be considered for post of NCMP

I made a choice not to be considered for the post of Non-Constituency MP (NCMP) after last year’s General Election, said WP candidate for Hougang Mr Png Eng Huat.

Mr Png was responding to queries from Deputy Prime Minister Teo Chee Hean who asked during the PAP election rally last Sunday why it didn’t send Mr Png to parliament as an NCMP when it had a chance to do so.

DPM Teo also wondered if WP is taking Hougang voters for granted by fielding Mr Png who was not given the much coveted NCMP post.

Mr Png contested in last year’s General Election in East Coast GRC where his team garnered 45 percent of the valid votes. The  NCMP position eventually goes to rookie Gerald Giam which prompted its team leader Eric Tan to quit the party in disgust.

The Elections Department had offered three NCMP seats to the best losing opposition candidates in last year’s GE.

In an interview with Channel News Asia, Mr Png said:

“I actually took my name out of the ballot for the NCMP post. Because I have a personal stand against the NCMP scheme, so that’s why my name wasn’t in the ballot. So I don’t think DPM knows all of these.”

However, according to a WP insider who spoke to us on the condition of anonymity, the ‘ballot’ was a farce as certain ‘big shots’ in WP had already decided on Gerald Giam.

“If a vote was indeed called, Eric Tan would surely win because he was a senior leader who laid the groundwork for East Coast. But the two leaders favored Gerald and others simply went along. In WP, there are some leaders who you cannot offend or you will be put in ‘cold storage’ forever,” he said.

Mr Png was working the ground in East Coast only in 2011 before being transferred to Aljunied GRC after the election. After Yaw Shin Leong was sacked in February, he was ‘parachuted’ into Hougang Constituency Committee by WP Chief Low Thia Kiang.

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WP leaders urged Hougang residents to vote for Png to ensure government is responsive to needs of people

As expected, the Workers Party tried to turn the Hougang by-election into a sort of referendum on the government as its leaders rallied supporters to the party’s cause at an election rally last night.

11 speakers spoke at the rally including WP leaders Low Thia Kiang and Sylvia Lim.

The speakers urged Hougang residents to cast their votes for the party’s candidate Png Eng Huat to keep an opposition ‘presence’ in parliament to “ensure that the government is responsive to the needs of Singaporeans and that people are at the centre of its policies.”

However, WP already has 5 MPs and 2 NCMPs in Parliament which makes one wonder how much difference an additional MP will make.

Mr Png also made use of the opportunity to attack the government’s ‘lop-sided’ policies and calling for Hougang voters to give the opposition a chance to grow.

“You have made your stand, which I will summarise in just 5 words – Hougang is not for sale! One resident I spoke to during my house visit said he wants to give the opposition a chance to grow, just like what Singaporeans did in the early years when it allowed the PAP to grow,” said Mr Png.

The seat of Hougang was left vacant after its ex-WP MP Yaw Shin Leong was sacked from the party for his failure to address swirling rumors around his alleged extramarital affairs with multiple married women including two key female leaders of the party.

WP did not address the controversy to clear lingering doubts on the minds of voters even as it pledges to be a ‘co-driver’ to ‘slap’ on the government in parliament.

PAP Rally this evening at:

7:00pm at Hougang Stadium, 100 Hougang Ave. 2 S538856

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In an attempt to portray himself as a loving and caring husband, PAP candidate for Hougang Desmond Choo revealed his intimate moments with his wife to the media.

Speaking to reporters at the Nomination Center, Mr Choo stressed that his wife’s support is essential to this campaign, adding that he and his wife share a kiss every morning and that has still not changed.

Mr Choo married his civil servant wife in July last year.

“Her kiss keeps me going throughout the day. Though she has to go to work, I know she will always be with me and ready to help me out via whatsapp and sms. She has a way of delivering sweet messages to me” he said.

When asked about his opponent, Workers Party candidate Mr Png Eng Huat, Mr Choo said they are on good terms and have spoken earlier, promising each other that they will sit down to chit chat over coffee regardless of how the results turn out.

The current deputy director of NTUC’s youth development unit believes they will become “fast friends”.

“At the end of the day, it’s about two passionate people fighting for the (good) of Hougang residents”.

The seat of Hougang fell vacant after its former WP MP Yaw Shin Leong was sacked by the party for his failure to address swirling rumors around his alleged extramarital affairs with multiple married women, including two key female leaders of the party who contest in the General Election last year.

Many political pundits such as Derek Da Cunha and Eugene Tan have written off the chances of Mr Desmond Choo, with Yahoo News proclaiming an ‘easy victory’ for Mr Png Eng Huat even before a single vote is counted.

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Breaking News: Straight fight between PAP’s Desmond Choo and WP’s Png Eng Huat in Hougang by-election

Despite the possibility of having a multi-cornered fight in Hougang with WP member Dr Poh Lee Guan and ex-member Zeng Guoyuan collecting their political donation certificates yesterday, it will be a straight fight between the PAP and WP’s chosen candidates in the Hougang by-election.

Returning Officer Yam Ah Mee has declared Png Eng Huat of the Workers’ Party and Desmond Choo of the People’s Action Party as candidates for Hougang by-election on 26 May.

Acupuncturist Zeng Guoyuan was reportedly ‘disqualified’ with no proposal and seconder, on top of his conviction of verbally abusing a public servant in 2008.

“People want somebody who is independent. By coming in, I know who I stand for. I won’t be stopped next time,” he said in response to queries from Yahoo News.

However, at 12.19pm, an officer from the Elections Department clarified with The Straits Times that Mr Zeng had not been disqualified. He did not even file his papers. and hence technically, it cannot be called a disqualification

Another possible candidate, WP member Poh Lee Guan did not turn up at the nomination centre. He told reporters at a block near the nomination centre that he wanted to be a “backup” and he did not inform his party because he was ‘busy’ with his lectures.

The seat of Hougang fell vacant after its former WP MP Yaw Shin Leong was sacked by the party for his failure to address swirling rumors around his alleged extramarital affairs with multiple married women, including two key female leaders of the party who contest in the General Election last year.

Many political pundits such as Derek Da Cunha and Eugene Tan have written off the chances of the PAP, with Yahoo News proclaiming an ‘easy victory’ for WP’s candidate Png Eng Huat.

The Elections Department said there are 23,368 eligible voters in the by-election for the single-seat constituency of Hougang.

There will also be overseas voting. A total of 43 overseas Singaporeans will vote in eight cities, such as Canberra, San Francisco, Tokyo and Hong Kong.

*Photo: PAP supporters at nomination center, source: Young PAP Facebook

MORE UPDATES TO COME LATER

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